It is no secret that when it comes to foreign food options, Shanghai is always two steps ahead of Nanjing. There is an upside to this situation; Shanghai weeds out the weakest of the bunch while it sends us the best.
Simply Thai is the latest Shanghai export, following the likes of Element Fresh and Blue Frog. Like these cousins, who also took 15 years to make a 280 kilometre journey, Simply Thai has a great central location in Xinjiekou, making it more convenient than Nanjing’s other Thai options. However, Simply Thai is accessible in more ways than one, with the entire kitchen visible through glass walls and the menu translated into half a dozen languages (check the back for non-English and Chinese options). In fact, the restaurant is so open in its design that it lacks any sort of true partition between itself and the mall. For this, we deduct a few character points. On the other hand, this does make it the only Thai restaurant in Nanjing with a view of a dinosaur skeleton! Sometimes it’s the little things…
And sometimes it’s all about the food. Satay, curries, noodle plates and soups all feature prominently, but are just a small sampling of everything on offer. A single entree ranges from ¥60-100, though it’s worth sharing a few dishes to get the full dining experience (The Nanjinger recommends the seafood Pad Thai). After a taste, it is easy to see why the chain is so popular in Shanghai.
The Shanghai roots of the restaurant have some influence here, particularly in the service. Simply Thai feels like a busy cafe due to waiters constantly running around and minimal space between tables. Meal privacy is nonexistent, though this can be an upside if you enjoy checking out the interesting dishes your fellow diners just ordered. Upside or down, the small space and hectic feel mean this is no place for a quiet evening. Still, for calming those cravings and adding Shanghai adventure to your night, Simply Thai is simply satisfying.
Simply Thai is located at 7F, Deji Plaza Phase 2, 18 Zhongshan Lu 中山路18号德基广场二期7层 Tel: 86667892
